Gadzhi Rabadanov found success in combat and amateur MMA, eventually becoming a lightweight champion on the regional circuit. A Dagestan native, Rabadanov is a member of Team Nurmagomedov, going on to become one of five world champions on the team. Rabadanov, who has 13 finishes to his name, has won 10 straight, which includes running through Solomon Renfro, Elvin Espinoza, Michael Dufort and Brent Primus to become 2024 PFL Lightweight World Champion. Now, he looks for more success in the 2025 PFL Lightweight World Tournament.

 

Fight veteran Marc Diakiese sees the PFL as a fresh start for his career, and he’s now ready to make his debut during the World Tournament tonight. Diakiese, who began training in martial arts at 17, enters tonight with four victories in his last six outings. Diakiese had his sole Bellator outing in his last fight, defeating Tim Wilde via unanimous decision.

 

Will Rabadanov continue his run of success and move on in the World Tournament? Or will Diakiese pull off an impressive performance and be the one to advance?

 

 

Round 1

 

Diakiese with a low kick thrown to start. Wheel kick by Diakiese, but Rabadanov avoids it. Body kick from Diakiese is caught, and Rabadanov dumps him to the ground. Rabadanov flurries with ground strikes and Diakiese IS OUT!

 

 

Gadzhi Rabadanov takes care of business in a matter of just over 30 seconds, and he’s back in the semifinals!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Marc Diakiese via first-round KO (punches, 0:32)

 

  • Rabadanov moves his career record to 25-4-2 with his 9th career knockout win and 3rd knockout win in a row Rabadanov has won 11 straight fights Fights for Team Nurmagomedov (led by legend Khabib Nurmagomedov)